It is time for creating that annual list known as the “New Year’s Resolutions.”
Most of us who compile this list each year look back on the previous twelve months and assess our physical appearance, relationships, bank account, job, and other specific areas of our life we would like to improve. We look forward to the upcoming year with anticipation.
Success is just around the corner. It all begins on January 1. We make statements like the following:
· “This is the year I am going to get back into shape.”
· “I am going to lose 20 lbs. this year.”
· “I am going to spend more time with my wife and kids.”
· “I am going to find that special person this year.”
· “I will save an extra $1,000 each month.”
· “This is the year I am going to get out of debt.”
· “I will lead my company in sales this year.”
· “This is the year I go after that promotion.”
· “I will increase the profits at my small business by 10%.”
Our Resolutions are written down and posted in a prominent place at home or work where we can read them and be reminded of goals. We jump with passion and excitement when the starting pistol fires on January 1st.
Our first breakfast in the new year consists of a half grapefruit instead of the usual heaping bowl of Frosted Flakes. We are the first one in line when the recreation center opens. We quickly change our clothes in the locker room and hit the indoor track. You’ll say to yourself “I’ll just start slow and run a mile this morning.” Never mind you haven’t seen the inside of a gym in five years, you still have memories of “glory days” playing football, baseball, or running five miles daily. The cold reality of “Father Time,” however, will hit you as the muscles in your legs start to burn as you take the first turn. You soldier on, but the goal of a mile run is replaced with “I’ll just do one lap today.”
Experts say that our motivation for these Resolutions last only a few weeks into the year. Sure, many of us do achieve our goals for the new year, but many more are resigned to staring at an ever-yellowing sheet of paper printed with forgotten resolutions by year end. I wanted to take a different approach this year and turn to God’s Word for motivation. I researched passages that provide us with insight into what God thinks of our Resolution struggles in the new year.
While not exhaustive, I hope you find encouragement and blessings in these passages from the Authorized King James Version:
Isaiah 43:18-19
18. Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
19. Behold I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Ephesians 4: 23-24
23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Isaiah 40: 31
But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Philippians 4: 13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 3: 13-14
13. …but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.
14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 4: 25-27
25. Let thine eyes look right on and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
26. Ponder the path of thy feet and let all thy ways be established.
27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Isaiah 41: 10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace not evil, to give you an expected end, (prosper you).
2nd Timothy 1: 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Joshua 1: 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord, thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Romans 15: 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Galatians 6: 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap if we faint not.
Proverbs 19: 20-21 20. Hear counsel and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy later end. 21. There are many devices, (plans), in a man’s heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord shall stand.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6. In all thine ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
I pray for each of you to have a successful 2023, reaching your individual goals. I hope these passages will be helpful to you on your 2023 journey. I have fallen in love with King James version I used here for quotes and hope the sometimes-archaic English wasn’t too much of a challenge to read. God Bless.
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